1
|
Challal S, Skiba A, Langlois M, Esguerra CV, Wolfender JL, Crawford AD, Skalicka-Woźniak K. Natural product-derived therapies for treating drug-resistant epilepsies: From ethnopharmacology to evidence-based medicine. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116740. [PMID: 37315641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological human diseases, affecting 1% of the population in all age groups. Despite the availability of over 25 anti-seizure medications (ASMs), which are approved in most industrialized countries, approximately 30% of epilepsy patients still experience seizures that are resistant to these drugs. Since ASMs target only limited number of neurochemical mechanisms, drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is not only an unmet medical need, but also a formidable challenge in drug discovery. AIM In this review, we examine recently approved epilepsy drugs based on natural product (NP) such as cannabidiol (CBD) and rapamycin, as well as NP-based epilepsy drug candidates still in clinical development, such as huperzine A. We also critically evaluate the therapeutic potential of botanical drugs as polytherapy or adjunct therapy specifically for DRE. METHODS Articles related to ethnopharmacological anti-epileptic medicines and NPs in treating all forms of epilepsy were collected from PubMed and Scopus using keywords related to epilepsy, DRE, herbal medicines, and NPs. The database clinicaltrials.gov was used to find ongoing, terminated and planned clinical trials using herbal medicines or NPs in epilepsy treatment. RESULTS A comprehensive review on anti-epileptic herbal drugs and natural products from the ethnomedical literature is provided. We discuss the ethnomedical context of recently approved drugs and drug candidates derived from NPs, including CBD, rapamycin, and huperzine A. Recently published studies on natural products with preclinical efficacy in animal models of DRE are summarized. Moreover, we highlight that natural products capable of pharmacologically activating the vagus nerve (VN), such as CBD, may be therapeutically useful to treat DRE. CONCLUSIONS The review highlights that herbal drugs utilized in traditional medicine offer a valuable source of potential anti-epileptic drug candidates with novel mechanisms of action, and with clinical promise for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Moreover, recently developed NP-based anti-seizure medications (ASMs) indicate the translational potential of metabolites of plant, microbial, fungal and animal origin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soura Challal
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Adrianna Skiba
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Mélanie Langlois
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Camila V Esguerra
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Jean-Luc Wolfender
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alexander D Crawford
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway; Institute for Orphan Drug Discovery, Bremerhavener Innovations- und Gründerzentum (BRIG), Bremerhaven, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Riva A, Roberti R, D'Onofrio G, Vari MS, Amadori E, De Giorgis V, Cerminara C, Specchio N, Pietrafusa N, Tombini M, Assenza G, Cappanera S, Marini C, Rasmini P, Veggiotti P, Zara F, Russo E, Striano P. A real-life pilot study of the clinical application of pharmacogenomics testing on saliva in epilepsy. Epilepsia Open 2023; 8:1142-1150. [PMID: 36840436 PMCID: PMC10472391 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Response to antiseizure medications (ASMs) can be influenced by several gene polymorphisms, causing either lower efficacy or higher occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). We investigated the clinical utility of salivary pharmacogenomic testing on epilepsy patients. A commercialized pharmacogenomic salivary test was performed in a cohort of epileptic patients. Genetic variants on five genes (i.e., CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, EPHX1, and ABCB1) involved in common ASMs metabolism were selected. Twenty-one individuals (median age [Q1 -Q3 ]: 15 [6.5-28] years) were enrolled. Six patients harboring the homozygous *1F allele in CYP1A2 could have reduced chance of response to stiripentol due to fast metabolism. CYP2C9 had reduced activity in 10 patients (alleles *2 and *3), potentially affecting phenytoin (PHT), phenobarbital (PB), primidone, lacosamide (LCM), and valproic acid metabolism. Seven patients, carrying the *2 allele of CYP2C19, had an increased risk of ADRs with clobazam (CLB), PB, PHT, LCM, brivaracetam; while one individual with the *17 allele in heterozygosity reported a CLB fast metabolism. Six patients showed a CC polymorphism of EPHX1 associated with the impaired efficacy of carbamazepine. ABCB1 polymorphisms related to drug-resistance (3435 CC) or drug-sensitive phenotype (CT or TT) were found in 6 out of 7 patients. Pharmacogenomic testing on saliva proved easy and safe in clinical practice to convey information for the management of epileptic patients, especially those resistant to treatment or sensitive to severe ADRs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Riva
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI)University of GenoaGenoaItaly
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases UnitIRCCS Istituto “Giannina Gaslini”GenoaItaly
| | - Roberta Roberti
- Science of Health DepartmentUniversity Magna Grecia of CatanzaroCatanzaroItaly
| | - Gianluca D'Onofrio
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI)University of GenoaGenoaItaly
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases UnitIRCCS Istituto “Giannina Gaslini”GenoaItaly
| | - Maria Stella Vari
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases UnitIRCCS Istituto “Giannina Gaslini”GenoaItaly
| | - Elisabetta Amadori
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI)University of GenoaGenoaItaly
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases UnitIRCCS Istituto “Giannina Gaslini”GenoaItaly
| | | | - Caterina Cerminara
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of NeurosciencesTor Vergata University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of NeuroscienceBambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Nicola Pietrafusa
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of NeuroscienceBambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Mario Tombini
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of MedicineUniversity Campus Bio‐MedicoRomeItaly
| | - Giovanni Assenza
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of MedicineUniversity Campus Bio‐MedicoRomeItaly
| | - Silvia Cappanera
- Child Neurology and Psychiatric Unit, Pediatric Hospital G. SalesiUnited Hospitals of AnconaAnconaItaly
| | - Carla Marini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatric Unit, Pediatric Hospital G. SalesiUnited Hospitals of AnconaAnconaItaly
| | | | | | - Federico Zara
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI)University of GenoaGenoaItaly
- Unit of Medical GeneticsIRCCS Istituto “Giannina Gaslini”GenoaItaly
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health DepartmentUniversity Magna Grecia of CatanzaroCatanzaroItaly
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI)University of GenoaGenoaItaly
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases UnitIRCCS Istituto “Giannina Gaslini”GenoaItaly
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dubois S, Marchese F, Pigliasco F, Barco S, Tripodi G, Lomonaco T, Lattanzi S, Russo E, Cangemi G, Striano P. A Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling Technique to Monitor Cannabidiol Levels in Epilepsy Patients. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:582286. [PMID: 33364956 PMCID: PMC7751733 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.582286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Interest in cannabis-based therapies has recently increased, due to the availability of cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of epilepsy without psychoactive effects. Therapeutic drug monitoring can prevent drug interactions and minimize drug toxicity. We evaluated a volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) method combined with LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry) for the quantification of CBD blood levels in patients with refractory epilepsy. Methods: Prospective observation of patients with Dravet syndrome receiving open-label, add-on GW-purified CBD (Epidyolex®) at different doses. CBD plasma samples were obtained from venipuncture and LC-MS/MS was used to measure CBD in venous and capillary blood samples collected by VAMS. Results: We enrolled five patients with a mean age of 13 (range: 4–27) years. CBD levels measured by VAMS on capillary blood did not differ from CBD levels measured in plasma by venipuncture (R2 > 0.93). Conclusion: This proof-of-concept study suggests that VAMS allows monitoring of CBD plasma levels and can offer valuable support for personalized therapy in refractory epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Dubois
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Marchese
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federica Pigliasco
- Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Section, Central Laboratory of Analyses, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Barco
- Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Section, Central Laboratory of Analyses, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gino Tripodi
- Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Section, Central Laboratory of Analyses, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Tommaso Lomonaco
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuliana Cangemi
- Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Section, Central Laboratory of Analyses, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zileuton, a 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitor, Exerts Anti-Angiogenic Effect by Inducing Apoptosis of HUVEC via BK Channel Activation. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101182. [PMID: 31575085 PMCID: PMC6829222 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The arachidonic acid metabolism through 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathways is involved in modulating both tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. Although anti-carcinogenic activities of certain 5-LO inhibitors have been reported, the role of zileuton, a well known 5-LO inhibitor, on the endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Here, we report that zileuton has an anti-angiogenic effect, and the underlying mechanisms involved activation of the large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channel. Our results show that zileuton significantly prevented vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro, as well as in vivo. However, such anti-angiogenic effect of zileuton was abolished by iberiotoxin (IBTX), a BK channel blocker, suggesting zileuton-induced activation of BK channel was critical for the observed anti-angiogenic effect of zileuton. Furthermore, the anti-angiogenic effect of zileuton was, at least, due to the activation of pro-apoptotic signaling cascades which was also abolished by IBTX. Additionally, zileuton suppressed the expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, ETS related gene (Erg) and the production of nitric oxide (NO). Taken together, our results show that zileuton prevents angiogenesis by activating the BK channel dependent-apoptotic pathway, thus highlighting its therapeutic capacity in angiogenesis-related diseases, such as cancer.
Collapse
|
5
|
|
6
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myoclonic seizures are brief, involuntary muscular jerks arising from the central nervous system that can occur in different epilepsy syndromes, including idiopathic generalized epilepsies or the most severe group of epileptic encephalopathies. Valproate is commonly the first choice alone or in combination with some benzodiazepines or levetiracetam. However, more treatment options exist today as there is emerging evidence to support the efficacy of some newer antiepileptic drugs. In addition, of major importance remains avoidance of medications (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin) that may aggravate myoclonic seizures. This is an updated review on the available therapeutic options for treatment of myoclonic seizures. Areas covered: Key efficacy, tolerability and efficacy data are showed for different antiepileptic drugs with antimyoclonic effect, alone and/or in combination. Expert opinion: Pharmacological treatment of myoclonic seizures is based on clinical experience with little evidence from randomized clinical trials. Valproate, levetiracetam, and some benzodiazepines, are widely used. There is still insufficient evidence for the use of other antiseizure drugs, such as topiramate or zonisamide as monotherapy. Better understanding of pathophysiologic mechanisms of myoclonic epilepsies could yield great improvement in the treatment and quality of life of patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Striano
- a Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health , University of Genoa, 'G. Gaslini' Institute , Genova , Italy
| | - Vincenzo Belcastro
- b Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine , Sant'Anna Hospital , Como , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
|
8
|
Verrotti A, Zara F, Minetti C, Striano P. Novel treatment perspectives from advances in understanding of genetic epilepsy syndromes. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2016. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2016.1167594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
9
|
Striano P, Vari MS, Mazzocchetti C, Verrotti A, Zara F. Management of genetic epilepsies: From empirical treatment to precision medicine. Pharmacol Res 2016; 107:426-429. [PMID: 27080588 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite the over 20 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) now licensed for epilepsy treatment, seizures can be effectively controlled in about ∼70% of patients. Thus, epilepsy treatment is still challenging in about one third of patients and this may lead to a severe medically, physically, and socially disabling condition. However, there is clear evidence of heterogeneity of response to existing AEDs and a significant unmet need for effective intervention. A number of studies have shown that polymorphisms may influence the poor or inadequate therapeutic response as well as the occurrence of adverse effects. In addition, the new frontier of genomic technologies, including chromosome microarrays and next-generation sequencing, improved our understanding of the genetic architecture of epilepsies. Recent findings in some genetic epilepsy syndromes provide insights into mechanisms of epileptogenesis, unrevealing the role of a number of genes with different functions, such as ion channels, proteins associated to the vesical synaptic cycle or involved in energy metabolism. The rapid progress of high-throughput genomic sequencing and corresponding analysis tools in molecular diagnosis are revolutionizing the practice and it is a fact that for some monogenic epilepsies the molecular confirmation may influence the choice of the treatment. Moreover, the novel genetic methods, that are able to analyze all known genes at a reasonable price, are of paramount importance to discover novel therapeutic avenues and individualized (or precision) medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, G. Gaslini Institute, Genova, Italy.
| | - Maria Stella Vari
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, G. Gaslini Institute, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L' Aquila, LAquila, Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- Laboratory of Neurosciences and Neurogenetics, Department of Head and Neck Diseases, G. Gaslini Institute, Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Striano P, Belcastro V. Treating myoclonic epilepsy in children: state-of-the-art. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2013; 14:1355-61. [DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2013.800045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
11
|
Hu X, Laragione T, Sun L, Koshy S, Jones KR, Ismailov II, Yotnda P, Horrigan FT, Gulko PS, Beeton C. KCa1.1 potassium channels regulate key proinflammatory and invasive properties of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis. J Biol Chem 2011; 287:4014-22. [PMID: 22074915 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.312264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play important roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Potassium channels have regulatory roles in many cell functions. We have identified the calcium- and voltage-gated KCa1.1 channel (BK, Maxi-K, Slo1, KCNMA1) as the major potassium channel expressed at the plasma membrane of FLS isolated from patients with RA (RA-FLS). We further show that blocking this channel perturbs the calcium homeostasis of the cells and inhibits the proliferation, production of VEGF, IL-8, and pro-MMP-2, and migration and invasion of RA-FLS. Our findings indicate a regulatory role of KCa1.1 channels in RA-FLS function and suggest this channel as a potential target for the treatment of RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueyou Hu
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Current World Literature. Curr Opin Neurol 2011; 24:183-90. [DOI: 10.1097/wco.0b013e32834585ec] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
13
|
|
14
|
Ekstein D, Schachter SC. Natural Products in Epilepsy-the Present Situation and Perspectives for the Future. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2010; 3:1426-1445. [PMID: 27713311 PMCID: PMC4033990 DOI: 10.3390/ph3051426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2010] [Accepted: 05/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
More efficacious and better tolerated treatments for epilepsy are clearly needed. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has a long history of use in certain parts of the world and has gained increasing interest over the last decades in Western countries. In countries with a Western-based type of medical system, people with epilepsy (PWE) take natural products or engage in other forms of CAM mainly to enhance general health, but also to prevent seizures or to alleviate symptoms of comorbidities or side effects of antiepileptic medications. In other countries, well developed medical systems, such as traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, are often the basis for treating PWE. Based on anecdotal reports of efficacy in PWE, natural products from these and other traditions are increasingly being studied in animal models of epilepsy, and candidates for further clinical development have been identified. It is likely, therefore, that natural products will be further evaluated for safety, tolerability and efficacy in PWE with drug-resistant seizures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana Ekstein
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, BA 504, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Steven C Schachter
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, BA 504, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| |
Collapse
|